Musician JD Crowe, the Grammy Award-winning bluegrass musician whose career influence spanned more than 50 years, has passed away. He was 84 years old.
His son, David, confirmed his death on Saturday (December 25) to Related press.
“We just want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. As great a musician as he is, he is an even better husband, father and friend,” David said in a brief message.
Crowe died on Friday of an undisclosed cause, the family had previously announced via Facebook.
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James Dee Crowe was born in 1937, his career includes contributions to Jimmy Martin’s Sunny Mountain Boys, Mac Wiseman and his own band, the Kentucky Mountain Boys, which later became the New South.
According to the Bluegrass Music Hall and Museum, his path began in 1949 when, at the age of 12, he heard Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys play at a barn prom in Lexington.
Woke up this morning to the sad news about JD Crowe. What can I say? He is an absolute legend. He will be remembered as one of the greatest bluegrass players ever. He has a tone, taste and timing like no other. pic.twitter.com/AM1GsNpvYV
– Billy Strings (@BillyStrings) December 24, 2021
“Crowe is a banjo innovator and has influenced countless musicians with his technique and style,” reads a post on website of the hall is based in Owensboro, Kentucky, where Crowe was introduced in 2003.
Social media has flocked to the music world.
“He is an absolute legend,” wrote eclectic bluegrass guitarist Billy Strings on Twitter. “He will be remembered as one of the greatest people to ever play bluegrass. He has a tone, taste and timing like no other. “
Crowe won the 1983 Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance for the song “Fireball”.
He is survived by his wife, Sheryl; his children, David and Stacey; and a niece, Kylee.
https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/jd-crowe-bluegrass-musician-dead-1235013989/ Bluegrass musician dies aged 84 – Billboard
